To minimise disruption in academic schedule, Sharda University continues to deliver online classes across all the courses. Due to the lockdown amid global COVID-19 outbreak, the institute has taken this initiative to ensure that students’ academic interests aren’t compromised.
It has put together a contingency plan in which the faculty are working towards ensuring a seamless transformation to digital learning via technology tools and solutions like Zoom, Big Blue Button, Google Classroom. The iCloud LMS software that the university subscribes is cloud-based and highly-advanced. Coursera and SWAYAM are some of the technologies used by students of School of Design and Planning for making their assignments. Teachers and students have access to this software at homes but for students who are in remote areas, teachers are helping them through email, WhatsApp or audio lectures. Students and faculty can access library from anywhere as it is made available online.
YK Gupta, pro chancellor, Sharda University, said, “Online learning has a lot of potential and even though it has been thrust into the spotlight under unfortunate circumstances, it is time that educational institutions utilise this tool effectively. Our aim is to keep a strict schedule in place so that students are able to complete their courses and projects on time. We are also focussing on the admission procedures through online counsellors so that no student aspiring for a better future is left behind due to the COVID-19 crisis.”
Many international students are staying in hostels at the university campus. The institute has made necessary arrangements to ensure their safety and well-being. Students have been assigned single rooms and the campus is being sanitised regularly. Students have been given access to free Wi-Fi.